Keith J. Warren

Actor. Director. Choreographer. Graphic Artist. Photographer. Renaissance man. Keith J. Warren is one of the most talented theater professionals around. Keith is accomplished in so many different fields and received many accolades for his efforts. I have admired Keith’s gorgeous voice and his acting skills in a number of DFW productions and never been less than impressed. He is equally adept at comic and dramatic roles and seeing Keith on stage is always a treat. He is the very definition of a theater pro. Take a few moments to read about the multi-talented Keith J. Warren.

When was your first time on stage?

My first time on stage was the day I was born! But in actuality, my first time on stage was in kindergarten during a holiday pageant. I remember very vividly in that moment being up there in front of that audience that I was blissfully at home on stage. I felt so much joy and excitement. From that moment on, EVERYWHERE was a stage for me. 

When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

I feel like it was always there in my mind. I just knew that I loved make believe and I loved storytelling. As a child, I had a very vivid imagination and I could turn anything into a story. My family recognized this in me as well and spoke of it frequently. I was always performing any chance I got. As long as I had an audience, I was ready. I rather unknowingly had a knack for improv as I would just start making up stories at the drop of a hat. I also made costumes out of my clothes or just anything around the house. My Mom and I even made a few costumes together that we’d see in Highlights magazines. I have this great memory of this enormous willow tree that was just across the sidewalk from our house and I would look at that tree with deep fascination. I must’ve made up a thousand stories about that tree in my head. I’m happy to report that nothing has changed, lol. Growing up, I was encouraged to let my imagination be what it was. 

Who is your greatest mentor?

The first person that comes to mind when I’m asked this question is my high school choir director, Mari Montgomery. She was literally my angel of music. I remember meeting her when I was a junior in high school and she was just the coolest person. She was also very eccentric and I felt so comfortable with her. I remember her having this energy that was so high and so joyful. Mari taught me a lot about music and shaped my voice to what it is now. More than that, she taught me about performing and about storytelling in singing. It was so instrumental in my confidence as a storyteller and I can’t imagine where I’d be without her. I remember one night after we finished a choir concert and I had introduced her to my Dad, during which she looked at my Dad and said, “In the 20 years I’ve been teaching music, Keith is the best student I’ve ever had.” That just melted my heart and made me feel like I was doing something right. I was by no means a perfect student, but I tried to be a passionate one when it came to music and theater. Mari Montgomery made me feel like I could do it and I have so much gratitude and love for her and everything she taught me. She taught me music; she taught me singing; she taught me acting; she taught me to be a good person and to never give up on my dreams. 

What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?

Wow, that’s a really tough question. I’ve played some superb roles, but there are many roles I’d still love to do. A role that I’m well known for is Gaston in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, which I’ve played numerous times. I’ve enjoyed playing that role very much. I also love roles that demand a lot. The D’Ysquith Family in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder was extremely demanding and equally as rewarding. My honorable mentions would fall to Jerry in The Full Monty, Sweeney in Sweeney Todd, Billy Bigelow in Carousel, Jud in Oklahoma!, and Mitch in A Streetcar Named Desire.

Do you have a dream role?

One… no. Many… yes. For as long as I can remember, The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera has always been on that list. I would also love to play Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie and Burrs in The Wild Party (Lippa). I would also love to do more plays. I adore Tennessee Williams. I’m always open to any new opportunities. 

What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?

Whew… what a list this is. I think Laurie Metcalf would be one for sure. Sarah Paulson, Jessica Lange, Michael Sheen, Angela Bassett, and Josh Henry are some other brilliant storytellers I’d love to work with. Another I wish I could’ve worked with was the brilliant Shelley Duvall. She recently passed away and I so admired her. 

What performances have you seen that impressed you?

I’ve seen many, many impressive and inspiring performances. Far too many to list. I was lucky enough to see Patti LuPone as Mama Rose in Gypsy on Broadway in 2008, just a few weeks before she won the Tony. Honestly, I’m such a theater goer. I love to be there in that dark theater, with my phone turned OFF, and just lost in the moment of the performance. I also remember when I was quite young, my cousin Jesse was a frequent actor at Casa Mañana in Fort Worth, so seeing him on stage was always exciting. I remember he played Jim Hawkins in Treasure Island alongside a very notable performance by David Coffee in the role of Squire Trelawney, which was the first of many David Coffee performances I got to see. Cut to about 14 years later, I was cast in Treasure Island at Casa Mañana, featuring David Coffee as Squire Trelawney. A very exciting full circle moment for me. David is an actor I think many would hope to share the stage with at some point. My first time with David on stage was a production of Joseph…Dreamcoat performed at The Bass Performance Hall for Casa. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of working with David numerous times. 

What are your career goals?

I’m enjoying being a professional actor. I’m also now directing and choreographing, which has been so wonderful. In the last year I directed/choreographed productions of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors, and Cabaret, across DFW and Colorado. In addition to this, I continue to work as a professional headshot photographer as well as a graphic artist, emphasizing in theatrical graphic work for several area theaters in DFW, CO, and PA. But, with all of this, I will always be an actor first.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m not sure I can think of anything that surprising, but it may interest some to know that I get very nervous. Auditions, performances, public speaking… I still get nervous. Though I am very comfortable, being nervous still occurs. But I think it’s a wonderful feeling, because it reminds me that I’m still human and that as soon as I start, I will bring that humanity to whatever it is I’m about to do.